2025 ASWE Basketball Invitational Tournament

by Edwin Catipon

The Association of Sambat, Winnipeg Eh (ASWE), formerly known as GUSI of Winnipeg, is proud to announce the launch of the 2025 ASWE Basketball Invitational!

Representing Sambat, San Pascual, Batangas, Philippines, the participating teams include the Huskies (featuring members of the Contreras and Abrenica clans), Centro (hailing from Central Barangay Sambat), and Wellington Drive (composed of the Ilagan clan).

This exciting event is made possible through the collaboration of passionate basketball communities across Winnipeg. Among the local participants is a team from the Sherbrook area, composed of lifelong friends, and MJI Info Tech, a team formed by players with experience in local tournaments. Also joining the competition is a family team representing the Panaligan clan from Lipa, Batangas, Philippines.

The pre-game home opener took place on April 26, 2025, at Valour Community Centre, featuring a parade of all teams accompanied by their lovely and charming muses. City Councillor Cindy Gilroy delivered an inspiring keynote speech, followed by a ceremonial jump ball, officially opening the tournament. The action then kicked off with the first three thrilling games.

The tournament will adopt a single round-robin format, with games scheduled every Saturday, leading up to the playoffs and the highly anticipated finals on June 28, 2025.

The opening day featured a nail-biting double-overtime clash between the Huskies and Centro, followed by a hard-fought battle between Wellington Drive and the Sherbrook Boys, and concluded with an intense match between MJI Info Tech and Kapamilya.

For league news, game schedules, and team updates, be sure to follow the GUSI Winnipeg Facebook page.